Abstract
Summary
Cellular subscriptions (contracts, not individuals) continue to grow at a fast
rate, but that rate is beginning to slow worldwide. Still some regions and
countries are bucking the trend. In addition to subscription growth, the mix
of technologies used in each region is rapidly changing. For example, in
Western Europe, the number of new subscribers using WCDMA and HSPA technology
is quite impressive.
Subscriptions are being fueled by incredible growth in India, China, and
Africa, but the growth in developed countries is definitely leveling out. When
the world is viewed as a whole, the growth in developing areas is what stands
out as driving the worldwide total. When all is taken together, the number of
subscriptions in 2007 grew by 667.6 million over 2006, but 2008 is forecast to
only grow by 382.5 million over 2007. Some of the slowing is caused by
saturation in some areas, but another aspect is the relatively sluggish world
economy. By 2012, the yearly growth in subscribers is expected to decrease to
only 163 million per year, roughly twice the population increase projected in
that year.
This report contains cellular subscription numbers by region and technology
for 2006 and 2007, and contains forecast information through 2012.
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